This sliding drywalled bedroom door was a blank canvas begging for a creative treatment. It was the ideal spot for something special — a stunning, faux-bois wallpaper. The rustic-looking planks are a warm balance to the concrete walls and lend unique personality to the modern space. A simple cedar wreath looks just right with the barnboard wallpaper for an understated festive touch.

Bushy, unadorned wreaths and bowls of pinecones feel festive but don’t look out of place in the rustic rooms of this home in Muskoka, Ont. In the great room, deep green and brown accents are a nod to the area’s towering pines.

A fresh wreath adds a subtle festive feeling to this cottage bedroom. The Gothic-style mirror plays up the height of the ceiling and bounces outside light into the space. Overhead, an encased crystal chandelier adds a touch of sparkle.

In this mudroom, a wreath of magnolia leaves adds a festive touch when holiday guests are taking off their boots. The entryway is the first impression of a home, so dress it up! Use a coat hook to hang a casual wreath.

Draw attention to a large picture window with an oversized wreath. In this kitchen, white uppers were fitted with glass doors to showcase the homeowners’ extensive glassware collection. A large island with an integrated stovetop makes cooking and entertaining a breeze.

Create a backyard display with ice candles and a wreath. To make these DIY lanterns, fill a large plastic container halfway with water. Place a smaller plastic container inside, weighted down with a heavy object, then fill around it with water until the large container is full. (The smaller container should be floating, so water will freeze around it.) Set it outside, or in a freezer. When the water is completely frozen, fill the smaller container with warm water until the ice melts enough to wiggle it free. Flip over the large container and pour warm water over it until it, too, melts free. Place a candle inside each frozen holder and set outdoors.

Wreaths aren’t just for front doors — add them to guest bedrooms during the holiday season. Here, a quirky homemade gooseberry wreath and a small pitcher of wildflowers by the bed make for a welcoming guest retreat.

Centre wreaths on unused patio doors during the winter. The 9-1/2-foot Christmas tree, decorated simply with chartreuse and gold ornaments, a grapevine-twig garland and about 2,000 white twinkle lights, serves as a festive focal point in the great room. Gifts wrapped in kraft paper and tied with green and gold ribbons are in keeping with homeowner Pauline Esdale’s simple, natural holiday theme.

During the Christmas season, designer Darci Ilich ties a ribbon around her quirky stag’s head and frames the piece with an oversized, bauble-covered wreath. The space’s crisp white walls and monochromatic furnishings let contemporary decorations take centre stage.

Giant pots of pine trimmings, decorated with reflective silver balls and twinkling white lights, set a celebratory tone before guests even set foot inside. Two wreaths rendered in a unique square shape are contemporary takes on the seasonal standbys.

The kitchen nook, defined by traditional cabinetry with a cosy bench and modern Ikea table and chairs, serves as a comfy spot to wrap Christmas gifts. The ribbon board is a handy display area for holiday cards.

Add festive greenery to areas set up for entertaining. The farmhouse-style glass-topped trestle table adds counter space and keeps the kitchen casual. The versatile design means the homeowners can pull up chairs for an informal dinner, arrange a breakfast buffet for guests, or display appetizers at a bustling cocktail party.